'We are sorry': Edmonton Corn Maze issues statement on RCMP theme
The Edmonton Corn Maze says it will give more thought to future themes, to make sure the maze is a welcoming space for everyone.
On Friday, the maze posted a statement on Facebook expressing regret for any pain this year's RCMP may have caused marginalized communities.
"At the time of creating the design, our intention was not to overlook or downplay the concerns associated with the RCMP," the statement read.
"We recognize that our approach did not adequately take into account the hurt and harm that the RCMP's history has caused various communities, including Indigenous Peoples and people of colour.
"We acknowledge that such a portrayal may be perceived as insensitive and dismissive of these valid issues.
"We are sorry."
Jesse Kraay, Edmonton Corn Maze owner and operator, has been choosing different themes for the maze for 23 years.
He did not say what specifically prompted the statement, but said Saturday that more thought could have gone into choosing the 2023 design.
"We originally made the design to highlight some of the work that the RCMP is doing throughout the province and around the country," he said. "We also realize that there's a history with the RCMP that we have to remember too.
"It's not all good."
Kraay said the design can't be changed at this time, but in the future he will work to make sure every maze is something all visitors can connect with in a positive way.
"We aim to be a place here where everyone can come, enjoy themselves and interact with their neighbours and have a good time," he added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm off Mexico and threatens Florida, forecasters say.
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm. What does that mean?
Hurricane Milton quickly intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday, reaching the most dangerous rank on what's known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Two people injured in apparent road rage incident, shooting in Toronto
Two people are in hospital after they were chased and shot at in what appears to be an act of road rage before eventually flipping their car while trying to escape, police say.
Canadian soldier wins compensation for cancer linked to burn pits after Veterans Affairs denied claim
A Canadian soldier who was exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits while serving in Afghanistan has been awarded full medical compensation for testicular cancer after Veterans Affairs initially denied his claim.
Sammy Basso, longest living survivor of rare rapid-aging disease progeria, dies at 28
Sammy Basso, who was the longest living survivor of the rare genetic disease progeria, has died at the age of 28, the Italian Progeria Association said on Sunday.
Senior charged after minivan set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall
The day after a minivan was set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall, a 78-year-old man has been criminally charged.
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother and a Grammy-winning singer, dies at 91
Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91.
A Canadian woman was recently diagnosed with scurvy. Here are the factors tied to the disease
Scurvy is not just an archaic diagnosis of 18th-century seafarers and doctors should watch for possible cases, according to researchers following a recent case.